Gian Piero Gasperini praised Atalanta’s free-spirited style of play, likening it to the energy and enthusiasm of young players. Meanwhile, Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu reflected on Turkey’s 1-1 draw with Wales in the UEFA Nations League, addressing his performance and fitness after being substituted at halftime.
Gasperini: ‘Atalanta still play like kids with freedom’
Gian Piero Gasperini shares why a new youth center holds more value than a trophy and discusses how Atalanta continues to play with the energy and spirit of young players, whether in the Scudetto race or the Champions League.
The experienced coach attended the opening of the new Giuseppe Gasperini and Antonietta Vit training camp in Gugliasco, the small town where he grew up.
He financed its construction, and the facility is dedicated to his parents. It will now provide local young players with the opportunity to develop their skills on a professional pitch.
Gasperini Embraces the Freedom at Atalanta
“It is an extraordinary day, and this is worth more than a trophy for me,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am so happy, it is a place where these kids can get together and always come here to play. My parents used to spend a lot of time in the gardens to sit on the benches, they wanted to hear all about my results in the sport. That energy will still be felt for these kids and help them to grow.
“Football has changed so much now; it is hyper-organised, and parents want to be involved in all the training sessions, but I wanted this camp to be free, where they can come here and simply enjoy themselves.”
It is often said that Gasperini’s football style brings out the best in his players because they truly enjoy it, and he agrees, even as they sit just one point behind the Serie A leaders while competing in the Champions League.
“We don’t have too many thoughts rattling around our minds. We do play a bit like kids, with a sense of freedom. I don’t know what the future holds, but we are very satisfied with what we are doing and try to keep going as long as possible,” said the coach.
Gasperini transformed Atalanta from a team constantly fighting relegation to Champions League contenders, and last season, he led them to their first-ever UEFA trophy, winning the Europa League.
“Football has certain rules; you learn to win, but above all, how to lose, how to respect your opponents. Sport, and in particular football, teaches you lessons that you carry for the rest of your life, in all areas of that life.”
Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu Reflects on Turkey’s Draw
Calhanoglu spoke following Turkey’s 1-1 draw with Wales in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening, after being substituted at halftime.
“I wasn’t ready yet. The same spot where I had felt the discomfort started to hurt again,” Calhanoglu mentioned in a post-match interview, referring to an earlier injury he had suffered.
“So I didn’t take any risks, it started to sting. Tomorrow, we’ll have an MRI scan.”
Calhanoglu’s injury raises concerns for Inter and Simone Inzaghi as they approach a crucial stretch in both Serie A and the Champions League, with the former AC Milan midfielder being a key figure in the coach’s plans.
The 30-year-old has made 12 appearances this season, scoring four goals from midfield, so the Nerazzurri will be eager for positive updates on his fitness.
Calhanoglu, the former Bayer Leverkusen player, joined Inter as a free agent from Milan in 2021 and was instrumental in assisting the club win the Serie A title last season.
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